introspection
noun
in·tro·spec·tion ˌin-trə-ˈspek-shən 
: a reflective looking inward : an examination of one's own thoughts and feelings
introspect
ˌin-trə-ˈspekt
verb introspectional
ˌin-trə-ˈspek-sh(ə-)nəl
adjective -shə-nᵊl
Synonyms
- self-contemplation
- self-examination
- self-observation
- self-questioning
- self-reflection
- self-scrutiny
- self-searching
- soul-searching
See all Synonyms & Antonyms 
Example Sentences
a moment of quiet introspection not a man given to introspection, he grew impatient with his wife's constant need to discuss their relationship
Recent Examples on the Web In addition, regional tensions, higher energy costs and an untested new prime minister come at a time of national introspection. 
Rachel Pannett, Washington Post, 11 Sep. 2022 Banks’ new introspection echoes throughout the whole album. Kory Grow, Rolling Stone, 12 July 2022 The 22-year-old’s emotionally layered folk ballads provide a soundtrack for any sort of life experience that requires introspection. Billboard Staff, Billboard, 27 July 2022 While the game seems like a nightmare to extroverts and those dependent on modern luxuries, Alone provides its viewers with practical survival knowledge and encourages introspection in a world overwhelmed with media distractions. Briana Richert, EW.com, 11 July 2022 But his book proceeds as so many dad books don’t: with a father’s careful, piercing introspection, and a deep analysis of anger. Daniel Engber, The Atlantic, 7 June 2022 Plattner does a thoughtful job of dropping his characters into tangible situations that stimulate introspection. Leah Tyler, ajc, 30 May 2022 In November 2020, Holmes wrote a piece for Vogue Australia's November issue about how the COVID-19 pandemic — which Alone Together focuses on — allowed for more introspection and quality time with her daughter. Angela Andaloro, PEOPLE.com, 29 July 2022 Anyone can craft a carefree summer party anthem, but it’s a far tougher task to harness all of the breezy, languid textures of the warmer months in service of melancholy, introspection and doubt. Andrew Barker, Variety, 24 June 2022 See More
Rachel Pannett, Washington Post, 11 Sep. 2022 Banks’ new introspection echoes throughout the whole album. Kory Grow, Rolling Stone, 12 July 2022 The 22-year-old’s emotionally layered folk ballads provide a soundtrack for any sort of life experience that requires introspection. Billboard Staff, Billboard, 27 July 2022 While the game seems like a nightmare to extroverts and those dependent on modern luxuries, Alone provides its viewers with practical survival knowledge and encourages introspection in a world overwhelmed with media distractions. Briana Richert, EW.com, 11 July 2022 But his book proceeds as so many dad books don’t: with a father’s careful, piercing introspection, and a deep analysis of anger. Daniel Engber, The Atlantic, 7 June 2022 Plattner does a thoughtful job of dropping his characters into tangible situations that stimulate introspection. Leah Tyler, ajc, 30 May 2022 In November 2020, Holmes wrote a piece for Vogue Australia's November issue about how the COVID-19 pandemic — which Alone Together focuses on — allowed for more introspection and quality time with her daughter. Angela Andaloro, PEOPLE.com, 29 July 2022 Anyone can craft a carefree summer party anthem, but it’s a far tougher task to harness all of the breezy, languid textures of the warmer months in service of melancholy, introspection and doubt. Andrew Barker, Variety, 24 June 2022 See More Word History
Etymology
Latin introspectus, past participle of introspicere to look inside, from intro- + specere to look — more at spy
First Known Use
circa 1677, in the meaning defined above
Medical Definition
introspection
noun
in·tro·spec·tion -ˈspek-shən
: an examination of one's own thoughts and feelings
introspection
noun
as in self-reflection
examination of one's own thoughts and feelings not a man given to introspection, he grew impatient with his wife's constant need to discuss their relationship Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
- self-reflection
- contemplation
- soul-searching
- self-examination
- self-contemplation
- self-scrutiny
- self-searching
- self-questioning
- self-observation
- reflection
- introversion
- meditation
- self-analysis
- rumination
- self-awareness
- self-recognition
- self-exploration
- self-discovery
- self-consciousness
- self-involvement
- self-realization
- self-absorption
- self-knowledge
- self-concern
- self-actualization
- self-centeredness
- self-fulfillment
- self-perception
- self-revelation
- self-image
- self-concept